Self-Defense Training Dummy

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a self-defense training dummy having a top section with punching bags, at least one arm section, and at least one leg section. Each of the sections are removably connected to its adjacent sections in a stacked orientation. The top section and the arm sections each include a plurality of arms extending outwardly therefrom. The leg section includes a plurality of legs extending outwardly in a downward direction. The present invention further provides impact sensors for detecting when the dummy is hit, an accelerometer for determining the strength of the hit, a processor, a memory, LED light indicators, and a speaker. The processor is adapted to illuminate the LED light indicators to provide a visual indicator of the location and the strength of each hit. Similarly, the processor activates the speaker to play a sound to indicate the location and/or the strength of each hit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/971,816 filed on Mar. 28, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a training device for self-defense training. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved self-defense training dummy having multiple sections that are removably connected to each other. In one embodiment, the present invention is adapted to provide a visual and audible feedback to the user to indicate the location and the strength of each hit.

Sandbags, punching bags, dummies, and similar training aids are used for practicing self-defense, martial arts, boxing, and the like. These training aids generally comprise a durable, reinforced shell with a firm foam interior, and some dummies have a likeness to a human body. Thus, the training aids allow individuals to simulate a fight with an opponent, and are valuable for developing fast, powerful striking technique.

Conventional training aids, however, are static, and do not provide feedback to an individual to help improve his or her technique. Thus, the individual is not informed whether each punch or kick has landed in a desired location with a proper amount of force. Accordingly, some individuals practice self-defense with others. However, practicing self-defense with others requires one person to simulate a fight with another person, or requires one person to hold a training aid while another person strikes the training aid. Additionally, individuals are more susceptible to becoming injured when fighting with another person. Therefore, a training aid that provides feedback while an individual is training alone is desired.

The present invention provides a self-defense training dummy having a top section, one or more arm sections, and a leg section. Each of the sections is removably connected to an adjacent section so that the sections are in a vertical, stacked orientation. The top section comprises a pair of arms and a plurality of punching bags connected to an upper end thereof. Each of the arm sections include one or more pairs of arms that extend radially outward so that the arms are parallel to the horizontal axis. The leg section includes a pair of legs that extend downward at an outward angle relative to the leg section. Further, each of the sections comprises LED light indicators thereon. The present invention may be mounted onto a horizontal surface via a connection tube disposed on a lower end of the leg section, wherein the connection tube can be inserted into a floor mount. In this way, the dummy does not drop or fall easily when it is repeatedly hit.

The present invention further comprises electrical components imbedded therein. In one embodiment, the electrical components include a plurality of impact sensors, an accelerometer, a processor, a memory having pre-recorded audio, and a speaker. The impact sensors are adapted to detect when the dummy is hit. When the dummy is hit, the accelerometer calculates the velocity of the hit and the processor determines the location of the hit to activate the LED light indicator where the dummy is hit. Additionally, the processor determines whether the velocity of the hit exceeds or falls below the velocity of a predetermined threshold. If the velocity of the hit exceeds the velocity of the predetermined threshold, the processor activates the LED light indicator to illuminate a first color. Conversely, the processor can activate the LED light indicator to illuminate a second color if the velocity of the hit falls below the velocity of the predetermined threshold.

Similarly, the processor can activate the speaker to play the pre-recorded audio depending upon the location and the strength of each hit. In one embodiment, the pre-recorded audio comprises a drum sound. In this way, the present invention provides a self-defense training dummy that can visually and audibly indicate the location and the strength of each hit, allowing the user to improve his or her technique when training.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim dummies for martial arts and self-defense training. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Some of these devices disclose a free standing dummy having multiple arms or legs that extend outward therefrom. Other devices provide commands to the user to hit different parts of a dummy. These devices, however, do not disclose a dummy having multiple sections removably attached to each other, and electrical components for providing visual and audible feedback to the user after each hit. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2013/0324370 to Harrigan, U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,944 to Fleitz, and U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2008/0254950 to Beliles disclose dummies that play sounds and emit lights when they are kicked or punched. The dummies comprise arms and legs that protrude outward from the vertical support thereof. Beliles also discloses a plurality of caster wheels on the lower end of the dummy for transportation. The foregoing devices, however, do not provide individual sections that can be separated, wherein one or more of the sections may include punching bags extending therefrom. The present invention comprises a top section having rods extending outward therefrom in a horizontal orientation. Each of the rods comprises a punching bag attached thereto.

Similarly, U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2005/0209066 to Penney discloses a martial arts exercise device having a U-shaped frame with a plurality of arms extending outward therefrom. The device is in electrical communication with a computer system comprising a visual display and audio system. The computer system is adapted to provide verbal commands to the user to hit a specific arm that is disposed on the U-shaped frame. The verbal commands may be output through the audio system, and the visual display can show the area of the device hit by the user. Penney, however, does not disclose a dummy comprising multiple sections that are in a stacked orientation, wherein the sections provide arms, legs, or punching bags.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,217 to Schechner discloses a training accessory comprising an elongated punching bag that is adapted to hang from an overhead support. In one embodiment, the punching bag may be removably attached to a plurality of arms by means of straps. Schechner, however, does not disclose a self-defense training dummy that is adapted to mount onto a horizontal surface. The present invention discloses a floor mount for securing the dummy to the ground.

The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices are limited in that they do not comprise sections that can separate to allow the user to choose different types of arms or legs for self-defense training. Additionally, none of the devices in the prior art disclose a dummy having punching bags attached thereto. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a dummy having removably attached sections having arms or legs protruding outward therefrom. Further, the dummy comprises a plurality of punching bags attached at the top end thereof. In this way, the present invention allows the user to practice different types of hits, punches, or kicks.

While the present invention increases versatility to the user by providing a self-defense training aid that can be used to practice multiple types of hits, the present invention is also advantageous in that it provides visual and audible feedback to the user. The device comprises LED lights for indicating locations hit on the dummy, as well as the strength of the hit. In this way, the present invention provides visual feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the device further comprises speakers for providing audible sound when it is hit. The device may be configured so that it plays a different sound for each section and/or depending upon the strength of the hit, thus notifying the user the location and/or the strength of each hit.

It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to dummy for martial arts and self-defense training. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of dummy for martial arts and self-defense training now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved self-defense training dummy wherein the same can be utilized for practicing self-defense

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy having a top section with punching bags, a first arm section, a second arm section, a third arm section, and a leg section, wherein each of the sections is removably attached to one another in a stacked orientation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy having LED lights for visually indicating the location and the strength of each hit.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy having a speaker for audibly indicating the location and/or the strength of each hit, wherein the speaker can play a pre-recorded audio.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy having impact sensors, an accelerometer, and a processor that is in electrical connection with LED light indicators and a speaker.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy that can be freestanding or that can be mounted to the floor.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy that comprises heavy padding on the exterior thereof.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved self-defense training dummy wherein the device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the electrical components of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the self-defense training dummy. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to practice self-defense. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention. The present invention comprises a dummy 21 having one or more arm sections and one or more leg sections. In a preferred embodiment, the dummy 21 comprises a top section 35, a first arm section 36, a second arm section 37, a third arm section 38, and a leg section 39. Each of the sections is removably connected to its adjacent section so that the sections are in a vertical, stacked orientation. In a preferred embodiment, all of the sections may be used together. However, it is contemplated that one or more sections may be removed or added to adjust the height of the dummy 21 or to practice different types of hits, punches, or kicks.

The top section 35 comprises a vertical support having arms 28 extending radially outward therefrom, such that the arms are perpendicular to the vertical support and substantially parallel with the horizontal axis. Thus, the vertical support is substantially parallel with the vertical axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the top section 35 comprises a pair of arms 28, wherein the arms 28 are disposed on opposing sides of the vertical support so that the arms are collinear when viewed from the top and from the side.

The top section 35 further comprises an upper end having a plurality of bag rods 25. The rods 25 comprise a first section that is perpendicular to the second section, such that the rods 25 are substantially L-shaped when viewed from the side. The first section of each of the rods 25 is connected to the upper end of the top section 35 by means of a tube cap 22, which is affixed to the upper end of the top section 35. The tube cap 22 is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a plurality of apertures along the lateral surface thereof. Each aperture is adapted to receive one first section therein. When the first sections of the rods 25 are secured to the tube cap 22, the first section is perpendicular to the top section 35 and the second section is parallel to the top section 35. Each of the second section of the rods 25 comprises a punching bag 27. The punching bag 27 hangs from the second section of the rods 25 via a bag hook 26. Each punching bag 27 may comprise a durable, reinforced vinyl shell with a foam interior.

Each of the first arm section 36, the second arm section 37, and the third arm section 38 comprises a vertical support and one or more pairs of arms 29 extending outward therefrom. The arms 29 are perpendicular to the vertical support and substantially parallel with the horizontal axis. The first arm section 36 and the third arm section 38 comprise two pairs of arms that are coplanar. Preferably, the arms are separated by a ninety degree angle, so that a first pair of arms are perpendicular to a second pair of arms on the same arm section.

The second arm section 37 comprises a pair of arms, wherein the arms are disposed on opposing sides of the vertical support. The arms of the top section 35, the first arm section 36, the second arm section 37, and the third arm section 38 may be staggered so as to provide a wide variety of locations that the user can strike, thereby allowing the user to punch and kick at different angles while training for self-defense.

The leg section 39 comprises a vertical support having a pair of legs 31 that extend outward and towards the ground. Each of the legs 31 comprises a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is substantially parallel with the horizontal axis and the second section extends downward at an angle relative to the vertical support. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sections form an obtuse angle so that the second section points away from the vertical support. However, in other embodiments, the second section of the leg 31 may be perpendicular to the first section, or at an inward angle so that it points toward the vertical support.

The leg section 39 is connected to a connection tube 32 that can be removably inserted into a hollow middle portion of a floor mount 33. Each of the connection tube 32 and the floor mount 33 may comprise a square or rectangular cross section. The cross sectional area of the connection tube 32 may be less than the cross sectional area of the hollow middle portion of the floor mount 33 so that the floor mount 33 can receive the connection tube 32 therein. In some embodiments, the connection tube 32 may be affixed to the floor mount 33 via fasteners such as screws or bolts. The floor mount 33 is preferably recessed into the floor 34 so that the top end of the floor mount 33 is substantially level with the floor 34. Thus, the connection tube 32 is positioned below the floor 34 when it is inserted into the floor mount 33.

Each of the sections of the present invention may further comprise LED light indicators on the exterior thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the LED light indicators are disposed on the punching bags, arms, legs, and the vertical support of each of the sections. The LED light indicators operate separately so that only the LED light indicators on locations where the dummy 21 is hit are illuminated. Additionally, the LED light indicators can illuminate different colors to show how hard the dummy 21 is hit. In some embodiments, the LED light indicators may function concurrently with a speaker, which is adapted to provide an audible feedback depending upon the location and/or the strength of the hit.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded view of the present invention. Each of the sections comprises a vertical support having a substantially circular cross section with a constant diameter over its length. The vertical support of each of the sections can be removably connected to the vertical support of its adjacent sections so that one or more of the sections can be added or removed, depending upon embodiment. Accordingly, the cross sections of the vertical supports of all of the sections are substantially equal in diameter. Similarly, it is contemplated that the arms and legs of each of the sections comprise a circular cross section with a constant diameter over its length.

The top section 35 is the topmost component of the dummy 21. Thus, the upper end 48 of the top section 35 defines the upper termination of the dummy 21. The lower end 49 of the top section 35 is removably connected to the upper end 50 of the first arm section 36. The lower end 51 of the first arm section 36 is connected to an upper end 52 of the second arm section 37. The lower end 53 of the second arm section 37 is connected to the upper end 54 of the third arm section 38.

The lower end 55 of the third arm section 38 is connected to the upper end 56 of the leg section 39. The lower end 57 of the leg section 39 is connected to the upper end of the connection tube 32. The lower end of the connection tube 32 is the bottommost component of the dummy 21. Thus, the lower end of the connection tube 32 defines the lower termination of the dummy 21. When the connection tube is inserted into the floor mount 33, the upper end 58 of the floor mount 33 rests flush against the lower end 57 of the leg section 39.

Each of the upper and lower ends of the first arm section 36, the upper and lower ends of the second arm section 37, the upper and lower ends of the third arm section 38, the lower end of the top section 35, and the upper end of the leg section 39 comprises a cut out pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the sections comprise rectangular cut out patterns that can be aligned with the cut out patterns on the ends of adjacent sections to join the sections together in a stacked orientation. It is contemplated that the electrical connections are disposed on upper and lower ends of each of the sections so that the electrical components of the present invention connect when adjacent sections are connected. Alternatively, the ends of the sections may be removably connected via a screw connection having threaded elements, or via an interference fit.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of the present invention. The top section 35, the arm sections 36, 37, 38, and the leg section 39 may be composed of PVC, metal, or other durable and rigid material that can withstand force. Each of the sections of the present invention comprises padding on the exterior thereof, so that the arms, legs, and the vertical supports of each of the sections are completely enclosed within the padding. The padding may comprise a durable, reinforced vinyl shell with a foam interior. Furthermore, each padding may be shaped similarly to the section on which it is secured. For example, a first padding 60 is shaped similarly to the top section 35, a second padding 61 is shaped similarly to the first arm section 36, a third padding 62 is shaped similarly to the second arm section 37, a fourth padding 63 is shaped similarly to the third arm section 38, and the fifth padding 64 is shaped similarly to the leg section 39.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic diagram of the electrical components of the present invention. The present invention is adapted to provide visual and audio feedback after each hit. In one embodiment, each of the punching bags and each of the sections may comprise a hollow interior for securing various electrical components therein. Without limitation, the electrical components may include a plurality of LED light indicators 40 a-40 f, a processor 41, an accelerometer 43, a speaker 44, a memory 46 having pre-recorded audio 45, and a plurality of impact sensors 47 a-47 f. The electrical components may be powered via a power source 42, such as a battery or an electrical outlet. In one embodiment, the impact sensors 47 a-47 f and the LED light indicators 40 a-40 f are located on each of the punching bags and sections, while the processor 41, the accelerometer 43, the speaker 44, and the memory 46 are disposed on one of the sections or within the floor mount.

The LED light indicators 40 are secured to the exterior of each of the sections. In an exemplary embodiment, a first set of LED light indicators 40 a is located on each of the punching bags. A second set of LED light indicators 40 b is located on each of the arms and vertical support of the top section. A third set of LED light indicators 40 c is located on each of the arms and vertical support of the first arm section. A fourth set of LED light indicators 40 d is located on each of the arms and vertical support of the second arm section. A fifth set of LED light indicators 40 e is located on each of the arms and vertical support of the third arm section. Finally, a sixth set of LED light indicators 40 f is located on each of the legs and vertical support of the leg section.

Similarly, each impact sensor corresponds to one of the sections, and are embedded within each of the sections. In an exemplary embodiment, the first impact sensor 47 a corresponds with the punching bags. The second impact sensor 47 b corresponds with the top section. The third impact sensor 47 c corresponds with the first arm section. The fourth impact sensor 47 d corresponds with the second arm section. The fifth impact sensor 47 e corresponds with the third arm section. Finally, the sixth impact sensor 47 f corresponds with the leg section. When one or more impact sensors detect a hit, the processor 41 determines the location of the hit. Thereafter, the processor 41 activates the LED light indicator that is located on the punching bag or the arm or leg of the section that is hit. In this way, the LED light indicators can show where the dummy was hit.

Additionally, the LED light indicators are adapted to illuminate different colors depending upon the strength of the hit. When one or more impact sensors detect a hit or a strike, the velocity of the hit or the strike is measured by the accelerometer 43. A low velocity indicates a low strength hit. Conversely, a high velocity indicates a high strength hit. Thus, the velocity of the hit can determine the strength of the hit.

Once the velocity of the hit is measured, the processor 41 determines whether the velocity of the hit exceeds or falls below the velocity of the predetermined threshold. If the velocity of the hit exceeds the velocity of the predetermined threshold, the LED light indicators can illuminate one color, indicating a strong hit. If the velocity of the hit falls below the velocity of the predetermined threshold, the LED light indicators can illuminate another color, indicating a soft hit.

Similarly, the speaker 44 may be actuated when one or more impact sensors detect a hit. The processor 41 can determine the location of the hit, and activate the speaker 44 to play a sound that corresponds with the location of the hit, such as a drum sound. The sound may comprise a pre-recorded audio 45 that is stored in the memory 46, wherein the pre-recorded audio 45 includes a different sound corresponding to each of the sections. Thus, the present invention can indicate the location of the hit based on sound.

Alternatively, the speaker 44 can play a different sound based on the strength of the hit. Once the velocity of the hit is measured via the accelerometer 43, the processor 41 determines whether the velocity of the hit exceeds or falls below the velocity of the predetermined threshold. Thereafter, the processor 41 can activate the speaker to play a specific sound from the pre-recorded audio 45 depending on whether the velocity of the hit exceeds or falls below the velocity of the predetermined threshold.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A self-defense training dummy, comprising: a top section having one or more punching bags and a plurality of arms extending outward; at least one arm section having a plurality of arms extending outward; at least one leg section having a plurality of legs extending outward; wherein said top section, said at least one arm section, and said at least one leg section are removably connected in a stacked orientation; at least one LED light indicator on each of said top section, said at least one arm section, and said at least one leg section; at least one impact sensor for detecting when said at top section, said at least one arm section, or said at least one leg section is hit; said at least one LED light indicator adapted to illuminate when said at least one impact sensor detects a hit.
 2. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, further comprising: a connection tube connected to a lower end of said at least one leg section; a floor mount having a hollow middle portion for receiving said connection tube therein; wherein said floor mount is adapted to be recessed into a floor.
 3. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, further comprising a speaker in communication with a memory having pre-recorded audio.
 4. The self-defense training dummy of claim 3, wherein said pre-recorded audio comprises a drum sound.
 5. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein each of said top section, said at least one arm section, and said at least one leg section comprises an upper end and a lower end; said lower end of said top section removably connected to said upper end of said at least one arm section; said lower end of said at least one arm section removably connected to said upper end of said at least one leg section.
 6. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein said plurality of arms of said top section is on opposing sides of said top section, and said plurality of arms is parallel with a horizontal axis.
 7. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein said at least one arm section comprises a first arm section, a second arm section, and a third arm section; said first arm section, said second arm section, and said third arm section removably connected in a stacked orientation.
 8. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein said plurality of arms of said at least one arm section is separated by approximately ninety degrees.
 9. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein said plurality of arms of said at least one arm section is on opposing sides of said at least one arm section.
 10. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein said at least one LED light indicator comprises: a first set of LED light indicators on said one or more punching bags; a second set of LED light indicators on said top section; a third set of LED light indicators on said at least one arm section; a fourth set of LED light indicators on said at least one leg section.
 11. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein said at least one impact sensor comprises: a first impact sensor for detecting when said one or more punching bags is hit; a second impact sensor for detecting when said top section is hit; a third impact sensor for detecting when said fat least one arm section is hit; a fourth impact sensor for detecting when said at least one leg section is hit.
 12. The self-defense training dummy of claim 3, further comprising an accelerometer in communication with a processor; wherein said accelerometer is in communication with said at least one impact sensor to determine a velocity of said hit; wherein said processor determines whether said velocity of said strike exceeds or falls below a velocity of a predetermined threshold; wherein said processor activates said speaker to play a first pre-recorded audio when said velocity of said strike exceeds below said velocity of said predetermined threshold; wherein said processor activates said speaker to play a second pre-recorded audio when said velocity of said strike falls below said velocity of said predetermined threshold.
 13. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, further comprising an accelerometer in communication with a processor; wherein said accelerometer is in communication with said at least one impact sensor to determine a velocity of said hit; wherein said processor determines whether said velocity of said strike exceeds or falls below a velocity of a predetermined threshold; wherein said processor activates said at least one LED to illuminate a first color when said velocity of said strike exceeds below said velocity of said predetermined threshold; wherein said processor activates said at least one LED to illuminate a second color when said velocity of said strike falls below said velocity of said predetermined threshold.
 14. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of legs of said at least one leg section comprises a first section and a second section; said first section parallel with a horizontal axis; said second section extending downward at an angle relative to said at least one leg section, such that said second section is pointing away from said at least one leg section.
 15. The self-defense training dummy of claim 1, further comprising: one or more bag rods having a first section that is perpendicular to a second section; a tube cap affixed to an upper end of said top section; said first section of said one or more bag rods attached to said tube cap; said second section of said one or more bag rods attached to said one or more punching bags via bag hooks. 